Sea Dreams

Mary Philpotts McGrath of Ka'ea Studios creating "Sea Dreams" series at Linekona

George Woollard of Ka'ea Studios at Linekona preparing ink for the "Sea Dreams" series

Artists Mary Philpotts McGrath and George Woollard of Ka’ea Studios are hard at work on 10 large panels of original prints to be installed in the new Aulani resort where Disney is creating a spectacular spa. The work is called “Sea Dreams,” for a lovely song written by Mary’s mother, Muriel Flanders, back in the 1920s. To Mary, the song tells of the fresh water springs in the pools at Lanikuhonua, the fabled cove close to the resort.

Prints by Mary and George are available at PLACE. Check them out online at

http://www.placehawaii.com/

Thanks, Edd, for the fun photos!
Aloha, Mary

"I'm going to write blogs!"



Mary Philpotts-McGrath:

          I’m going to write blogs!  Not routinely, as that’s inconsistent with my “persona.”  I live in the Nu’uanu rainforest with my daughter, Marion, and her family right next door.  Her daughter, Mākena (an NYU sophomore), is home for the summer and heading up our blog team.  You can view her recent trip to Morocco and Paris in her blog post below, entitled "I'm Back!"



Mākena wearing a Berber turban in Morocco

          Our staff is soon to be photographed for you to see, styled in Moroccan turbans by Mākena.  We're fascinated with this portrait (to the right), so much that my friend and "cohort", Kathy Merrill and I will hop on a plane next month and shop for exotic wearables in fabulous colors, patterns, and prices.  We'll post our finds for you!

I'm Back!

                  Mākena dishes on her travels to Morocco and France!

     Travelling-lover, Mākena Miller, is the daughter of Marion Philpotts-Miller and Grand-daughter of Mary Philpotts-McGrath, and while she’s not attending NYU: Tisch School of the Arts for Drama she’s a summer employee at PLACE, the Design Atelier by Philpotts.

     As-Salāmu`Alaykum!  Bonjour! and Aloha!  I’m back from beautiful Morocco and France and my three week summer vacation was amazing!  After visiting the enticing Medina in Marrakech, riding camels in the Sahara, and shopping in Paris I’ve returned home a new woman!  Its great to be back and working at PLACE, in fact a lot of the apparel I wore during my trip was from this design atelier.  

Take a look!

Mākena wearing a Berber Turban

                                            

Bahia Palace, Marrakech Morocco                                                        Dadés Valley Gorges

Teal Tunic with white embroidery from PLACE by Philpotts

Shopping and sipping mint tea at a Berber tent in Ouarzazate

                             

  Riding Camels in the Sahara                          Jamaa el Fna square in Marrakech

Ait Benhaddou, Morocco

Blue and White Patterned tunic from Place by Philpotts

Pre-School in Hamilia, Morocco 

Kissing "Bob Marley" in The Sahara Desert

 Jardin de Louxembourg Paris, France

                                   

Pont Alexandre III                                                                The Bastille Paris, France  

Jewelry Designer Sandy Simonian

Lizzie de Reus has just discovered a jewelry designer in Honolulu whose work we think is brilliant. Her name is Sandy Simonian. We hope to do a trunk show soon at Place to showcase her work.

In Sandy's light-filled studio, perched on the edge of an extinct volcano in Honolulu, she takes in the view of the Pacific Ocean while designing exquisite jewelry. Influenced by her travels to exotic locales such as Africa, India, and Papua New Guinea, Sandy has collected everything from diamonds and gemstones to primitive old shell currency and antique ivory. To create her organically inspired pieces, Sandy reinvents the objects making them reflect today's new sophistication and chic style. Many pieces use old tribal treasures and unusual, handmade ethnic beads. Others include vintage and antique charms and pendants.

Sandy's collections will appeal to any stylish woman who enjoys owning and wearing distinctive, atypical jewelry made by a true artist.

Our Hilo Hana Workshop!

 

We had a lot of happy laughter and learning with the Hilo Hana dynamos last week! Founders and foragers Ty and Clay shared information on harvesting invasive plants and creating wonderful containers from their flora. We intensely listened to the descriptions of their driving to remote beaches for drift wood, from which they made a whole new array of sculptures to hang or style into centerpieces.

Pictured are Ty and Clay creating a "basket" or "ball" from an invasive vine. They will be back before the holidays to do an intensive two-to-three day workshop during which anyone who registers can create gifts of vine wreaths and basket centerpieces.  

If you are not on our mailing list, register now by sending a message to places@philpotts.net, and we will keep you up-to-date on upcoming workshops, events, and special offers at Place!